I decided to start blogging about Jordan from the moment I found out I was pregnant. Jordan was born with a little arm that didn't grow like most babies. Her left arm stopped just above the elbow. Now I'm committed to making sure Jordan gets everything out of life. We feel blessed to be the parents of a very special little girl.

4.09.2006

Yup. That's a picture of her sucking her thumb. The girl sucks it more and more by the day. It's another thing I need to let go. I've prayed she wouldn't find the need to suck her thumb or need a pacifier. But I'm going to let it go.

What I'm not letting go well is how she's not falling asleep the way she did when she didn't go to day care. I realize I can't have everything I want when I hand my baby over to someone else's care. But I'm sad it took some crying for her to go to sleep tonight. She cried before every nap this weekend. It's just hard to watch after all the work I did before day care.

We're headed into another week... This one also includes a trip to Poppy and Grandma's house. Hopefully we'll get to see our friends the Bells. That will be very special.

About Me

I am passionate about social media and advocacy. In the journalism world, I am the manager of social communications and social training at AARP. I recently joined the team in October 2012 after managing KOMU-TV8's online properties and teach social networking and community at the Missouri School of Journalism. I was a member of the inaugural class of the Reynolds Journalism Institute Fellowship in 2008-09. I speak on the power of social media in business, journalism, higher ed and non-profit world. I am also passionate about social media and advocacy.

I am a special needs advocate and share my stories and lessons as a parent of a child who was born with a physical difference on Born Just Right. I am married with two kids and a dog. I'm a fan of technology, running, photography and listening to live music with my husband.

If you're interested in hiring me to train your organization on using social tools, or show your organization how the web will change communication internally and externally, just let me know. I also speak to special needs organizations about advocating for your kids and letting parents know we can all work together to get our kids the support they deserve. The connections we make in person and online can go a long way in getting the support you're craving.